Styling short relaxed hair can be versatile and fun, offering numerous possibilities to showcase your personality and creativity. Whether you prefer sleek looks for professional settings or playful styles for casual outings, mastering the art of styling short relaxed hair at home allows you to express yourself with confidence.
Understanding Short Relaxed Hair
Short relaxed hair refers to hair that has undergone a chemical process to permanently straighten the natural curl pattern. This type of hair requires specific care and styling techniques to maintain its health and texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving various stylish looks:
1. Daily Care Routine
Maintaining a consistent daily care routine is essential for keeping short relaxed hair healthy and manageable. Follow these simple steps:
Cleansing: Use a mild sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your hair and scalp. Focus on massaging the scalp gently to remove dirt and product buildup.
Conditioning: Apply a moisturizing conditioner to hydrate and nourish your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water to seal in moisture.
Detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair while it’s still damp. Start from the ends and work your way up to prevent breakage.
2. Essential Styling Tools
Having the right tools can make styling short relaxed hair easier and more effective:
Wide-Tooth Comb: Ideal for detangling without causing damage.
Boar Bristle Brush: Helps distribute natural oils and smooths the hair.
Hair Dryer with Diffuser: Speeds up drying time and enhances natural texture.
Flat Iron or Curling Iron: For straightening or adding curls as desired.
3. Sleek and Straight Look
Achieving a sleek and straight hairstyle can elevate your appearance for formal occasions or professional settings:
Start with Clean Hair: Wash and condition your hair, then apply a heat protectant spray evenly throughout.
Blow-Dry: Use a round brush and blow dryer to straighten your hair section by section. Focus on directing the airflow downward to minimize frizz.
Flat Iron: Divide your hair into smaller sections and run a flat iron through each section from roots to ends. Use a comb to guide the hair through the iron for a smooth finish.
Finishing Touch: Apply a small amount of serum or lightweight hair oil to add shine and tame any flyaways.
SEE ALSO: How to Make a Ponytail with Very Short Hair?
4. Textured Pixie Cut
For a more textured and playful look, consider styling your short relaxed hair into a pixie cut with volume and movement:
Apply Mousse: Start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse from roots to ends to enhance texture and hold.
Blow-Dry with Diffuser: Use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry your hair while scrunching sections with your fingers to create natural waves and volume.
Define Curls (Optional): If you prefer more defined curls or waves, use a curling wand on select sections, wrapping hair around the wand and holding for a few seconds before releasing.
Texturizing Spray: Finish with a light spritz of texturizing spray to add definition and hold without weighing down your hair.
5. Protective Styles
Protective styles help minimize manipulation and promote hair health:
Braided Styles: Cornrows, box braids, or twists can be stylish and protective. Ensure they are not too tight to avoid tension on the scalp.
Bun or Updo: Gather your hair into a bun or updo using bobby pins or hair ties. This style keeps your ends tucked away and protects against environmental damage.
6. Nighttime Care
Maintain your hairstyle overnight to preserve its longevity:
Silk or Satin Scarf: Wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf or sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz.
Loose Bun: For shorter styles, loosely gather your hair into a bun on top of your head and secure with a scrunchie or hair-friendly elastic band.
Conclusion
Styling short relaxed hair at home allows you to experiment with different looks while maintaining the health and integrity of your hair. By following a consistent care routine and using the right tools and products, you can achieve sleek, textured, or protective styles with ease. Embrace your unique hair texture and express your personal style confidently every day.
FAQs
What to Do with Relaxed Hair at Home?
Managing relaxed hair at home involves several key steps to keep it healthy and looking its best:
Regular Moisturizing: Relaxed hair tends to be dry, so moisturize regularly with a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing cream.
Gentle Handling: Avoid excessive brushing or combing when hair is dry to prevent breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle when necessary.
Protective Styling: Opt for styles that protect the ends of your hair, such as buns, braids, or twists, to minimize damage and retain length.
Trimming: Schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends and maintain hair health.
Nighttime Care: Wrap hair in a silk or satin scarf or sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and preserve moisture.
How to Manage Short Relaxed Hair?
Managing short relaxed hair effectively involves a routine tailored to its length and texture:
Daily Moisture: Apply a moisturizing leave-in conditioner or hair oil to keep hair hydrated and prevent dryness.
Styling Options: Experiment with different styles like sleek ponytails, twists, or a textured pixie cut to keep your look fresh and versatile.
Minimal Heat: Limit heat styling to prevent heat damage. When using heat, always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand.
Regular Trims: Maintain short styles with regular trims to keep ends neat and healthy.
Scalp Care: Keep your scalp clean and healthy by washing with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo and massaging to stimulate circulation.
How to Make Relaxed Hair Look Natural?
To achieve a natural look with relaxed hair, consider these tips:
Texture Enhancement: Use styling products like mousse or curl-enhancing creams to add texture and volume.
Loose Curls: Create loose curls or waves with a curling wand or rollers for a softer, less structured appearance.
Avoid Overprocessing: Minimize the use of harsh chemicals and excessive heat styling to maintain natural movement and texture.
Root Volume: Use a root lifter or volumizing spray to add lift at the roots, creating a more natural, voluminous look.
Embrace Imperfections: Natural hair isn’t perfectly uniform, so embrace slight variations in curl pattern and texture for a more authentic appearance.
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